MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
The Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Chris Gallus MP,
will attend the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to
Afghanistan in Tokyo 21-22 January 2002. Mrs Gallus will be addressing the
meeting of international donor countries and agencies on behalf of the
Australian Government.
'The Australian Government is deeply concerned about the humanitarian
conditions in southwest Asia and recognises the acute reconstruction needs in
Afghanistan,' the Parliamentary Secretary said.
'The conference will play a significant role in coordinating the
international response to the crisis in Afghanistan. I will be urging the
international community to work together to help the millions of displaced
peoples and refugees currently living in neighbouring countries.'
'I will also be announcing how Australia can further assist Afghanistan, in
addition to the $23.3 million in assistance announced by Minister Downer last
year,' Mrs Gallus said.
Hosted by the Government of Japan, the International Conference on
Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan will discuss a preliminary needs
assessment prepared by the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank
and the Asian Development Bank.
Australia has committed a total of $23.3 million to meet needs in South West
Asia since September 11. The World Food Programme, the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organisation for Migration and the
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs have already received
funding from Australia for their programs to help the Afghan people. Australia
has also provided support to the International Committee of the Red Cross and
four Australian NGOs for programs meeting the critical humanitarian needs of
displaced Afghans.
Media contact:
Greg Clough (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 / 0417 683 126